Going for the 1st time ever and want advice

[burnsurvivor]

WOW...finally going to WDW!!!!

We tried to go May of 2005, but, I had an accident, and as you can tell by my name, I was burned...

So, first question:

1) What is the heat and humidity like mid October (19 through 27)?

Next set of questions:

If you were going, what park would you go to first, second, etc... and why? Any strategies?

What restaurants would you recommend for each park?

What are the crowds like in Mid October?

How do you find out about attraction cloures during this time?

How do you keep up your energy levels because I am getting tired just reading some of these trip reports...I must be getting too old. I am easily fatigued since the accident (3 skin grafts and not much exercise while healing has made this 43 year old a lazy gal!!!)? Maybe I need a senior plan...and I am serious!!!

Any other recommendations you could offer up?

I would appreciate all of your comments...

Thanks.

Jennifer from Portland Oregon

 

[Rhia]

Wanted to say hat I hope you are doing well. we are about to take our first trip next week. My biggest bit of advice is to join tour guide mike. You can see his advertisement at the top of this page. he tells you everything you were asking about. He will tell you what pars to do n which days, best places to eat. He beaks it down by type of food, budgt, etc. I really, really recommend that!! I'm a compulsive planner and this has been amazing for me!!

 

[BluOrchid2]

Hi Jennifer! Welcome! Tell us more about your travel party - who will be going with you? Ages are helpful, too.

October - avg high temp is 87, avg low temp is 61

My restaurant recommendations for each park....

Magic Kingdom:
Crystal Palace
Liberty Tree Tavern

Epcot:
Le Cellier
Japan's Teppanyaki

MGM:
Brown Derby

Animal Kingdom:
Tusker House

There are lots of excellent dining choices at the resorts, too. We always manage to fit in a visit to O'Hana at the Polynesian, and we love the (relatively inexpensive) buffet at Ft. Wilderness called Trail's End Buffet.

There is a schedule for rehabs and closures at http://allearsnet.com/pl/events.htm.

Have a magical trip!

 

[aug16]

Are you staying on site? If so, you could see which parks offer Extra Magic Hours on which days. This is when the parks open early or stay open later for guests staying at a Disney resort. You could get more park time in, if you visited these parks on the certain days.

 

[Mousema]

Even though October isn't as hot as July, August and September, plan on taking a break every afternoon. A couple of hours for a nap or swim or just chilling at the resort works wonders.

 

[mrzrich]

I would also check out the DISabilities forum on this board.. They may have advice for dealing with your fatigue. Depending on your activity level you may need a wheelchair or motorized chair. Many people who do not require them in "real life" need them at WDW to keep fatigue in check

 

[DiszyDeanette]

Ouch! That's horrible! I'm glad you're better and finally get to go!

I would never go anywhere but Magic Kingdom first. Just walking down Main Street is the best way to let the magic begin IMHO.

Epcot is the only park that has "don't miss" restaurants (again, IMHO) the rest of the best are at resorts. Don't pass them up just because they aren't in the parks, or you'll miss out!

You shouldn't have to deal with horrible heat or crowds in mid-October, and if you get tired, go back to your resort for a nap or a dip in the pool. Don't think you have to get up at the break of dawn and rush around all day, it's your vacation, do what you want*! At the very least, take advantage of the many, many benches WDW provides for your lounging enjoyment!




*unless said activities involve pool hopping, line cutting, abusing a refillable mug, stopping in the middle of a busy walkway to read your map, and/or assault with a stroller

 

[pezpam]

I also have physical issues that keep me from running around 24/7 like it sometimes seems everyone else is...... and WDW is still a blast! I also took a friend on one trip who had to be in a wheelchair most of the time and had to stop to sit on literally every bench we passed when she had to walk somewhere - and she had a ball. I took DD when she was little enough that we had to be back at the hotel for bedtime by 7pm and we had such a magical time, I can't put it into words. Take it easy if you need to, stay within your abilities, forget the notion that anyone can see everything in WDW on a single trip anyway, and you'll have a great time. Check out http://www.mousesavers.com/faq.html#disability for a few links to advice on the subject of doing WDW with limitations.

First park? Absolutely positively has to be Magic Kingdom. There is just something extra-special about starting your trip with a walk up Main Street.

For restaurants, I'd check out the menus at allearsnet.com and see what interests you. Read a bit about the atmosphere at places like Sci-Fi and Prime Time to see if they thrill you or totally turn you off.

Attraction closures - I can't remember offhand if the official Disney site lists those, but http://www.allearsnet.com/tp/rehabs.htm has a pretty good list.

Enjoy! I know you'll have a wonderful trip.

 

[Scraper]

Sorry to hear about your burns hope you are feeling better and better every day. I think OCT is a perfect time of year it is my favorite at Disney still warm enough for the pools but not to hot. We always start early and take a break in the afternoon. We always see fantasmic, wishes and Illuminations. We go to the parks based on EMH if you are staying on sight. Our favorite reasturant in epcot is Alfrados for a lot of people we like the beirgartens. We eat quick food mostly and find all the food on Disney good. The calander on Disney sight gives you all the park hours and the EMH to helap plan your days. Have a great time. Don't worry about doing it all. Just feel good and enjoy what you can do.

 

[punkin1763]

Hi Jennifer and I'm glad you are finally getting your trip to WDW and I hope you continue to heal and get stronger!

I agree with several others - MK is the first park! There is something about seeing the castle - whether its your first trip or you've been there many times.

As far as restaurants - it will depend on whether you want fast food or sit-down restaurants. If you want sit-down restaurants or want to see characters during your meal - here are some of my favorites:

MK
Liberty Tree (characters)
Crystal Palace (characters)

Epcot
Le Cellier (no characters)

MGM
50's Prime Time Cafe (no characters)

Contemporary Resort
Chef Mickey's (character breakfast!)

Have a great time!
Cindy